In a shocking incident on Thursday, Islamabad police forcibly entered cafeteria inside the National Press Club and subjected several journalists to physical assault, reportedly mistaking them for protestors associated with the Azad Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC).
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that plainclothes and uniformed officers stormed the café without warning, targeting journalists who had gathered for routine discussions. The unprovoked attack left multiple media workers injured and drew swift condemnation from press freedom advocates.
President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Afzal Butt, strongly condemned the brutal police action, calling it “an attack on press freedom and a gross violation of human rights.” He demanded an immediate inquiry and disciplinary action against the responsible officers.
The assault comes amid widespread unrest in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), where protests led by the JAAC have spiraled into violence following a breakdown in negotiations with the AJK government and federal authorities.
On Wednesday, at least six civilians and three police personnel were killed as clashes escalated across the region. According to an official statement issued by the AJK government, 172 police officers have been injured — 12 critically — along with 50 wounded civilians.
A crippling strike has paralyzed the region under a communications blackout, as anger grows over elite privileges and the issue of reserved refugee seats. Talks between the JAAC, AJK officials, and federal ministers collapsed earlier this week, triggering large-scale demonstrations and violent confrontations.
In a late-night appeal, the AJK government urged citizens to remain peaceful and avoid being misled by unverified social media reports. Authorities stressed the need for unity and restraint during this volatile time.
